Solid Intrigue
by Bruce Arant
One of the more interesting aspects of my work is reviewing home plans for use in our books and publications. We represent several designers and I have the chance to see a lot of great home designs, so I could comment on a number of really exceptional plans. But over the past several months, the work of one designer in particular has caught my eye and I thought I’d share my impressions.
The primary thing that has impressed me is the “common thread” that runs through this designer’s work. That “thread” is: a really solid, substantial feel, enhanced by very interesting detailing.
I’m including an example plan in this blog, but I have to say it was hard to settle on just one design from this designer’s collection. None the less, this home, Plan Number: 87646, caught my eye for a few different reasons. First, sometimes single-level homes don’t carry as much visual “punch” as homes with upper levels. I like one-stories, but there is simply not as much to work with vertically. The front elevation of this home, however, is a feast for the eyes. When you really study what’s going on here, it is amazing how all of the different design elements come together and “work.”
The gabled front porch provides the main focal point and communicates that solid, substantial feel I mentioned. But on either side of the front porch, the design carries and complements that look across the entire façade, with very interesting detailing. I think the shingle siding makes it all the better.
On the inside, the floor plan has a couple of elements that I really like. For instance, it really intrigues me that a traffic pattern exists from the “back” of the master suite’s walk-in closet, into the utility room, and on into the main living area or the mud room, and then on to the garage. You just don’t see that type of traffic pattern very often and it would provide an alternate route to navigate through that area of the home.
Other features are more immediately obvious, like the octagonal outdoor living area in the rear corner. What a great space. It’s not only interesting in its shape, it’s also very deep, so you could enjoy a rainy day on the outside and stay dry – and, I like the points of access from the breakfast nook and guest bedroom.
I’m certainly not playing “favorites.” Like I say, we work with a lot of great designers. But I thought you might like exploring the work of this one. You can see more designs from this designer by clicking here.
